Pay it 4ward: Project ‘Pickle Compassion’

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ANADARKO, Okla. -- It's time again to recognize an outstanding Oklahoman with Spirit Bank's Pay it 4ward.

Tonight we are highlighting an Anadarko third grade teacher and her small children. They are an amazing group who has added an important lesson of caring and compassion into the daily curriculum.

For more than two decades Carolyn Cantrell has been teaching enthusiastic third graders subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Now, she's added an important life lesson.

Three years ago, Mrs. Cantrell began "Pickle Compassion."

Each day after school the children sell pickles and other snacks then donate all the money to charity.

Since "Pickle Compassion" began the students at East Elementary in Anadarko have raised about $5,000 for The American Red Cross, Regional Food bank, Ally's House and other worthy causes.

Hopefully this will be something they carry on the rest of their lives. Just to help others and work together. What a great lesson. Thank you.

Colleague, Debbie Lovell was so touched by Carolyn's genuine kindness that she nominated her for Spirit Bank's Pay It 4ward.

“Being compassionate and giving back is very important. And these kids are learning to have a tender heart?” Debbie Lovell says. “And Carolyn definitely has a tender heart.”

NewsChannel 4 went by Spirit Bank to see Faith Clune.

“I love the sound of this program and I just think it's great. On Behalf of Channel 4 and Spirit Bank, we have $400 to pay it forward to Miss Carolyn,” Faith Clune says.
NewsChannel 4 and Debbie Lovell quietly wind their way down the corridors to Mrs. Cantrell's unsuspecting third grade class.

NewsChannel 4’s Lance West says, “This sweet woman has nominated you for Pay It 4ward.”

“Wow! Why?” Cantrell asked.

“You're about to find out,” Lance West says. “Debbie, come over here. On behalf of Spirit Bank and Channel 4, we have $400 for you and the kids for "Pickle Compassion."